The Project/Emergency Response Manager will provide management oversight to the Biruh Tesfa implementation team and coordinate with the REST and SNV teams as well as CARE’s Emergency Unit in the day-to-day management of the Biruh Tesfa project to ensure the efficient and timely implementation of quality project interventions. The key responsibility is to provide overall leadership and coordination of the implementation of activities and ensure operational and programmatic efficiency and effectiveness. Specific responsibilities include ensuring that project activities are implemented on time and in compliance with BHA regulations; managing Tigray-based CARE staff under the Biruh Tesfa project; ensuring the timely fund disbursement to implementing partners; and ensuring timely and quality report submission to the donor on quarterly basis. In consultation with the Livelihoods for Resilience Chief of Party and in collaboration with the implementing partner managers, s/he develops implementation plans, tracks budgets, and conducts reviews of both financial and activity reports to ensure consistency with actual costs and work plans. S/he fosters learning; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with key government partners and cooperating agencies and other NGOs; and ensures effective representation of the project and CARE.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS: 

Job Responsibility #1: Staff management (15%)

Coach, mentor, and directly supervise field-based CARE staff under the Biruh Tesfa project. S/he will:

• Support CARE’s Mekelle-based staff (Program and Compliance Specialist, M&E Specialist, and Cash and Voucher Systems Specialist) to effectively undertake their roles and responsibilities
• Complete all CARE performance management activities including: performance planning, monitoring, and performance appraisals
• Collaborate with the Human Resources (HR) Unit to take appropriate personnel actions to address problems
• Identify staff capacity building needs and implement plans to address them
• Properly implement conflict resolution mechanisms and ensure that grievance and whistle-blowing mechanisms are functional and fairly administered as per CARE policy                 

Job Responsibility #2: Program quality assurance (25%)

 Ensure that the Biruh Tesfa project is implemented in accordance with best practices and sound management structures for the highest possible program performance. S/he will:

• Ensure that the project employs appropriate programmatic approaches, and adjust them accordingly, to maximize program quality and ensure compliance with CARE policies and USAID regulations
• Identify gaps and plan for the timely provision of support to overcome bottlenecks and improve program quality
• Support project staff to utilize appropriate management tools in order to achieve intended impact; 
• Collaborate with the LDM Manager to strengthen/establish M&E systems to facilitate:

1. the timely and effective monitoring and evaluation of project activities
2. the timely availability of accurate and reliable project information

• Collaborate with finance staff for timely financial reports, budget preparation, and planning
• Promote synergy with Livelihoods for Resilience Activity interventions
• Collaborate with REST, SNV, and CARE staff for the smooth implementation of project activities in line with the proposal and target.

Job Responsibility #3: Program implementation, compliance, and technical support (25%)

Work with REST’s Team Leader to ensure the implementation of planned project activities per the proposal and in accordance with donor and CARE regulations. S/he will:

• Establish/strengthen systems to monitor the implementation of project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan e.g. conducting field trips and undertaking reviews to follow up on the status of implementation
• Support the REST implementation team in the timely identification of implementation challenges and their resolutions with appropriate strategies
• Collaborate with the Head office and all Field Office support departments (Procurement, Human Resources, Finance, and Administration) to facilitate efficient and quality support to the project as well as the timely resolution of challenges
• Collaborate with the Operations and Programming units to ensure that organizational core values, policies, procedures and program approaches are understood and adhered to by staff in implementing project activities
• Work with the REST team and CARE Liaison Officer to fully involve the key stakeholders, especially community members and government partners in the entire project cycle
• Maintain ongoing communication with cooperating agencies and implementing partners on project progress, fund utilization and challenges
• Support the implementation of audit recommendations related to the project
• Ensure compliance of the project with CARE policies and procedures and all BHA rules and regulations
• Collaborate with grant, contract and budget specialists and other finance staff to ensure compliance by all implementing partners to sub-grant agreements with CARE Ethiopia.

Job Responsibility #4: Financial management (10%)

In collaboration with the finance staff, facilitate appropriate budget management and utilization in compliance with donor and CARE rules and regulations. S/he will:

• Strengthen/establish systems to support staff and implementing partners in managing and utilizing budgets per the proposal and in accordance with donor and CARE rules and regulations
• Work with the Chief of Party to revise budgets, when necessary
• Monitor burn rates and ensure CARE and implementing partners employ timely and appropriate corrective action to address low/high burn rates.

Responsibility #5 :- Reflective Practice and Learning (10%)

In collaboration with the Program Quality and Learning (PQL) PQL team, facilitate reflective practice and learning at all levels to improve program performance. S/he will:

• Work with implementing partners to identify, document, replicate and disseminate best practices and/or lessons learnt to improve project performance
• Collaborate with the field-based M&E Specialist and the Learning, Design and Measurement (LDM) Advisor in the Head Office to assess current challenges in the projects and ensure that issues are correctly identified and corrective actions taken when necessary
• Ensure that reports are prepared and submitted to concerned parties, donors, counterparts and CARE members on time and in a professional manner
• Keep up to date with developments in the program, including best practice examples in-country and internationally, and ensure ongoing personal development and learning

Job Responsibility #6: Reporting and documentation (10%)

Manage the timely production and submission of project quality reports/documents. S/he will:

• Prepare project reports and documents per donor and/or CARE reporting schedules and formats
• Work with the Chief of Party to ensure the timely and quality submission of reports to USAID.

Perform other duties as assigned (5%)

Gender and PSHA

• Understanding and demonstrated commitment to the importance of gender, youth, and social inclusion issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of Gender Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and PSEAH (safeguarding), as evidenced in previous positions/programming.

PROBLEM SOLVING (Thinking Environment)

While the incumbent will face all three levels of problem-solving, the biggest challenges belong to category number three. The Emergency Response Manager will need to think, analyze, plan and operate strategically. This will require better understanding and use of different tools and programming approaches for identifying, analyzing, prioritizing, implementing and evaluating those interventions with the highest potential for increasing the target population's resilience to recurrent shocks. Development of leadership skills and enhancement of effective management and administration practices of emergency interventions will be at the center of this position.

Job Requirements

• BA Degree in Disaster Management or International Development or related field of study
• 5 years of experience in emergency programming, disaster management, rural livelihood programs, food security interventions, agriculture, livestock, and/or other related programming, and program management.
• Previous experience managing staff and working with teams to achieve objectives
• Significant exposure to projects involving networking and multiple partnerships, particularly related to emergency response, food security issues, agriculture, and livestock
• Working knowledge of programming in vulnerable environments, including conflict environments

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Proficiency in verbal and written English, strategic and operational planning, budget planning and management, monitoring and evaluation, report writing
• Proficiency in standard office software package
• Demonstrated leadership ability to inspire and empower others
• Good interpersonal communication skill and ability to effectively liaise with government, community leaders and other stakeholders
• Firm belief in teamwork, gender equality, and conceptual understanding of the participatory approach and sustainable development
• Proven ability to meet deadlines
• Knowledgeable in participatory planning

Desired:

• Knowledge of local languages (Tigrigna)
• Expertise in agricultural development and livestock programming 

COMPETENCIES

Respect, integrity, diversity, excellence, adaptability, stress tolerance, innovation, building partnership, communicating with impact, coaching, facilitating change, developing teams, initiating action, strategic decision making, planning and organizing, leading through vision and value.

FREEDOM TO ACT

General Accountability:

The incumbent’s decisions are prime in terms of the daily functioning and operation of the field offices in programming, management, financial, and administration areas; her/his decisions are contributory in terms of the CO's long-term development focus and organizational policies and procedures.

CONTACTS/KEY RELATIONSHIPS 

The incumbent is expected to establish and maintain an open and cordial relationship with regional and federal government partners, local government officials, donors and other development organizations working in the geographical area in order to obtain the required support and collaboration for the smooth coordination and implementation of the program/project activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND LEVEL OF TRAVEL REQUIRED. 

The position is based in Addis Ababa. At least 50% of the time is spent in the operational area (Tigray) and overnight trips are often required. Alternatively, we may consider a duty station of Mekelle with frequent travel to Addis Ababa.

How to Apply

If you are interested to be part of our dynamic team, exciting work environment and contribute to CARE Ethiopia’s mission and vision, please send your CV (not more than 3 pages) and cover letter (not more than one page) through ethiojobs

Passionate and dedicated candidates who meet the requirement are strongly encouraged to apply, especially women! Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted!